A design engineer who was working on the development of a membrane switch keypad for a new medical device product approached JN White® for help in the engineering of a component that could be repeatedly manufactured.
JN White® developed a solution of screen-printing silver traces at a .5MM pitch. This type of trace manufacturing was an innovative and unique solution to the customer’s design requirements. In addition, the team added a number of other features like an embedded tri-color LED and a hidden button that was included in the design for future use. Due to the enormous success of the project, the team is currently working on another iteration for the customer that will include enhanced LED’s in order to provide a color bar on the component.
The customer needed a keypad with unique characteristics, including specific lighting requirements and an economical trace solution (versus copper flex). In order to perfectly encapsulate all of these tough and distinct aspects into the design, the client needed to work closely with the engineering team at JN White® to prototype the ideal component.
The customer needed a keypad with unique characteristics. In order to meet these tough requirements, JN White® engineered a custom keypad with the following:
- Embedded Tri-Color LED for 3-color lighting
- Traces screen-printed at .5MM pitch: Typically copperflex or a printed circuit board would be utilized for this size of traces, but the team at JN White® was able to produce in this fashion. Screen-printing is a much more cost-effective solution for this application. JN White® had to work with the customer to ensure that the internal electronics of the part could manage the increase in resistant with the use of the screen-printed versus the other solutions. An effective solution was developed.
- Hidden Button: During engineering, the team at JN White® worked with the customer to fully understand the hidden button feature and all of its future potential uses. While delving into the discovery process, the team recognized that there would be an additional 6th button in the next generation of the product. As a solution, and in order to limit the redesign of the electronics for the product, a “hidden” button was included in the design.
The final product was an innovative keypad with several exciting and interesting elements that met the customer’s specific requirements. These requirements included: screen-printed traces at a .5MM pitch, a hidden button available for use in next generation design, and an embedded tri-color LED. JN White® met all the customer’s requirements and went above and beyond in satisfying the client, accounting for future design needs by including the hidden button for the next generation project. In addition, in order to elevate this piece to the next level, a new project is currently in the works. This latest project will include altered LED’s, which will create a lighted bar effect.
See What Our Customers Are Saying
"Very pleased with your team's response to our need during the COVID-19 crisis."
Lisa L., Medical Device
"JN White has been exceptional in working with our company in order to develop the look and feel of our new MRI patient worn transmitter. We had originally worked with a prior manufacturer for an earlier version of this product with much less desirable results. JN White delivered a clean professional product at a very reasonable price on time!"
Gary P., Medical
"We had very little information to work with and Jessica James made it nearly effortless on our end to get us exactly what we needed in a timely manner."
Lexi W., Industrial Equipment
"Getting any after-market graphic overlays done always has a certain risk factor in getting it all right. You guys were helpful, patient, & knowledgeable to achieve the best end result. Even pointing out some things that might be [an] oversight or [areas for] improvements. The outcome was perfect."
John S., Technology
"The print task was between the USA and Australia and everything went so smooth. I submitted a drawing, got a return email for me to confirm what I wanted. Even though this was over the Christmas period the print was waiting for me when I got back to work after the holidays. Great job and thanks."
Matt C., Military
"All of the folks there at JN White that I have talked to and dealt with have been very nice and professional."
Vern L., Industrial
"Customer service is wonderful. Receive confirmations and responses in a timely manner. Product has great quality."
Sara H., Medical
"It has been a pleasure working with JN White. We switched suppliers for some of our products to your company and you have given us higher quality. Excellent work!"
Roger W., Education
"I feel confident that JN White will do my order correctly."
Marie P., Government
"I found working with Sara to be a pleasant experience. We were trying to dial in the color to get just the right look on the printed substrate...Sara sent us a sample print sheet that had several variations, up and down, from the colors we specified, which allowed me to pick exactly the color we wanted. The end result product is perfect!"
Don M., Safety
"Our department has used JN White for a number of years for our inspection labels. They always respond very quickly when we contact them to place an order and communication is great with any questions we have. Highly recommend them."
Jim R., Government
"Easy process and great people to work with."
Richard Z., Military
"I'm very satisfied with your service. Always looking forward to bring the best!"
Ramses Z., Medical Devices
"JN White is very responsive to their customers. Product is delivered as expected...and they provide quality products. They have a clear understanding of the obstacles facing US based customers regarding the entire supply chain."
Bob M., Point of Sale
"We always deal with Steve Matacz. He is the best at making sure all details are perfect. Timely communication with any questions we have."
Paul A., Recreational
"Customer response time is one of the best; always prompt and helpful. On-time performance the last 12 months is 100%."
RoseMarie C., Utilities
"Customer service, quality and lead time are great! No complaints."
Sara H., Medical Devices